CALMAST – Plastics: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

Description of Initiative

The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering And Math) Transition Year project coordinated by Calmast, Waterford Institute of Technology’s STEM Outreach centre, combines science and art in a creative, engaging and educating way. Throughout the year, Calmast works with schools, industry, Spraoi and other cultural groups as well as the public to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) with a particular interest in working with the Arts on STEAM projects.

Community and Collaboration

Together with Senator Grace O’Sullivan and the artist Rachel Smith, and supported by Garter Lane Arts Centre, Calmast has developed a project that encourages Transition Year students and primary pupils to respond to the serious issue of plastic pollution through an art installation. To thoroughly understand all aspects of plastics, 19 students from Presentation Secondary School are currently researching ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ of plastics. They are also preparing posters to visualise their findings as well as developing a lesson plan to explain all about plastics to 6th class from Presentation Primary School Waterford.

Public Response and Impact

The artwork was exhibited in 2019 and inspired the general public to think about plastic in our everyday lives.